Green-Eco Friendly Definitions

With countless products claiming the “Eco-friendly” and “Green” label, a little definition might be in order.  We have compiled a glossary of the most important terms used in our industry.

Recycled:  Materials destined for disposal are reclaimed and converted into new products.

Bioplastic:  A certain percentage of a product is made from a renewable resource.

Organic:  Organic is the version of its conventional counterpart grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals that harm the environment.

Natural: Unbleached cotton processed in AZO-free, using no hazardous chemicals.

Reusable: When a product was created with the intent to be used in place of a disposable item.

Reduced Materials: Our preferred suppliers will identify products that are manufactured with less material and what those improvements are.

Material Substitution: When a product uses replace materials with environmentally safe ingredients.  This may mean only a portion has been replaced.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Used as a raw material for making materials such as bottles and containers for packaging a wide range of food products and other consumer goods.  PET is one of the most common consumer plastics used.

Jute: a plant fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads and is one of the most economical natural fibers second only to cotton in the amount produced and the variety of uses.

Corporate Sustainability: Implementation of strategies that meet business needs while concurrently seeking to protect, support, conserve and enhance the human and natural resources needed in the future.